Hounslow men sentenced over alcohol and tobacco scam

MEN FROM Hounslow were part of a gang sentenced for their part in an illicit alcohol and tobacco scam.

Gurjeet Singh Arora, 38, of Sonia Gardens, and Surbir Singh Arora, 40, of Heston Road, were among the four men punished for their role in the crimes.

They smuggled huge amounts of tobacco and alcohol into the country, and sold it in licensed convenience stores across Uxbridge, Southall, Slough and Berkshire.

The duty evaded on the alcohol and tobacco was totalled at £72,000.

They appeared in court with Rajmeet Singh Arora, 25, of Woolacombe Way in Hayes, and Inderpal Singh, 27, of Rostrevor Gardens in Southall.

Gurjeet Singh Arora received a 12 month sentence for fraudulent evasion of duty, which was suspended for two years. He must wear an electronic tag for four months and complete 200 hours of unpaid community work.

Surbir Singh Arora was sentenced to 40 hours of unpaid community work for fraudulent evasion of duty.

Officers from HM Revenue and Customs began their investigation after visits to storage units in Slough uncovered a large amount of alcohol that was counterfeit or had been smuggled into the country. Whilst the officers were seizing the alcohol, Inderpal Singh arrived at one of the units in his car which contained 5,000 smuggled cigarettes.

Officers conducted searches of five licensed convenience stores owned by the gang members and found smuggled alcohol and tobacco under shelves, behind kick boards and in a meat fridge. £12,000 cash was found hidden in a whisky tin in one of the shops and a notebook was found in another which proved that cigarettes were being bought for £2.80 per pack.

In total officers seized:

· 144,000 cigarettes

· 74 kilos of hand rolling tobacco

· 1800 bottles of spirits

· 570 bottles of wine

· 550 cans of lager

All four men pleaded guilty to the offences in June 2011 and were sentenced at Reading Crown Court on Tuesday (30 August 2011.)

John Cooper, Assistant Director HMRC Criminal Investigations said: “This case highlights our success to impact hard on those involved in smuggling or selling illicit alcohol and tobacco. We will not hesitate to bring these cases before the courts and we will also take action to reclaim the profits of their crime for the public purse.”

“I urge members of the public, newsagents or the off licence trade who know of any suspicious activities that may be linked to tobacco or alcohol smuggling to call our 24-hour Customs Hotline 0800 59 5000 or email customs.hotline@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk.”